Spongy Moth in Virginia

the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requires removal of spongy (formerly gypsy) moths before transporting items outside of quarantined areas
the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requires removal of spongy (formerly gypsy) moths before transporting items outside of quarantined areas
Source: United States Department of Agriculture, European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) North America quarantine

The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) was known as the gypsy moth until renamed by the Entomological Society of America in 2022. The term "gypsy" was a derogatory reference to the Romani people, and perceived as an ethnic slur.1

Links

the blue and red spots on a spongy moth larvae are distinctive characteristics
the blue and red spots on a spongy moth larvae are distinctive characteristics
Source: Wikipedia, Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar), Larva (by Ryan Hodnett)

References

1. "An invasive species now has a new name to replace ethnic slur," CNN, March 4, 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/04/world/gypsy-moth-spongy-moth-name-change-scn/index.html; "'Spongy Moth' Adopted as New Common Name for Lymantria dispar," Entomological Society of America, March 2, 2022, https://entsoc.org/news/press-releases/spongy-moth-approved-new-common-name-lymantria-dispar?fbclid=IwAR0W1-fZzdNFTNdvRKqQ6fLV80fZSN__loGGsdg8H8hQFZKVB22DkIK9kJA (last checked March 6, 2022)


Habitats and Species
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